Communication and the “Gushy Ball”

Perhaps nothing is more discussed as a topic in business than communication. As an almost obvious tenet of effective leadership, it’s a wonder why the world needs hundreds of thousands of books on the topic. Perhaps George Bernard Shaw summed it up best when he wrote, “the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” (Source)

I’ve certainly witnessed and have been guilty of poor communication. For our purposes here, though, I want to share an example of highly effective communication from a business leader. When I was just starting my career, I worked for a manufacturer. The president, Jim Tiffany, was a fiery guy and a passionate leader. As I reflect back on those early days of my career, I see that it was Jim’s ability to effectively communicate that set him apart.

There was never a question of what Jim wanted to do with the business or what we needed to do to accomplish our objectives. The entire office staff of 80 people met weekly on Friday mornings to get updates on the customers, the production issues, expectations and a regular reminder of the vision, purpose and strategy. As I liked to say, you knew where the bus was headed and you could either get on board or get out of the way.

Even though it’s been 16 years since I worked for the late Jim Tiffany, I still remember his vivid description of the “gushy ball.” He used this metaphor to illustrate how each of us was interdependent on the rest of the business. If production “pushes” on one side of the ball, then the planning department is pushed out on the other side of the ball.

Do you realize how your work affects your organization’s gushy ball? When you make a decision as a marketing manager, how are you affecting the sales team’s side of the ball? It’s a simple visual but that’s what makes it so valuable.

Remember the gushy ball. I’ll never forget it.

Michael Bone is the Management Controller for the Global Biology Unit of Ceva Sante Animale, a top 10 global animal health company. He earned a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of St. Francis and a MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. Feel free to connect with Michael on LinkedIn.

“I have had the honor of listening to Pat Sullivan talk and to travel with Pat and speak with him. The one thing that is certain every time he speaks is that I learn something about leadership, honor, and how to live life properly from him. He is a remarkable speaker and man.” read more

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Tim TrendelHead Basketball Coach Providence Catholic High School

“Pat Sullivan is clearly one of the most interesting and engaging speakers you will hear. Pat blends personal stories of people he has either researched or met to demonstrate concrete principles we can all use to enhance our capacity to lead. There are so few authentic, selfless leaders today. Pat Sullivan is one of those and his stories and living example will motivate you toward that end.” read more

Frank PalmasaniAuthor – College Counselor

“I have known Pat Sullivan for the past 48 years. He is without question one the finest public speakers I have encountered in my 37 years in education. He has spoken at our graduations, clinics, and athletic fund raisers. As one principal who attended our most recent event and heard Pat speak stated: “Every educator in the nation needs to listen to his message.” Pat spoke at our conference leadership seminar which had 16 schools and over 300 students attending. The students were enraptured by his talk on “Leadership.” Pat is truly a phenomenal speaker, leader, and mentor.” read more

Randy StelterDirector of Athletics
Wheeler High School
Valparaiso, IN

“Pat’s enthusiasm and spirited way of getting his message across bridges many demographic groups. The care he takes to understand his audience underscores his unique ability to reach the many who come to hear him speak.”

“It is clear that when you hear Pat speak his thoughts come from the heart….sincere and genuine …sharing his life leadership experiences so that others will grow and benefit from them”. read more

Dr. Frank WyrostekProfessor of Finance University of St. Francis

“I have had the opportunity to hear from many motivational speakers in my professional career. None have spoken with the conviction and passion of Pat Sullivan. This is because he is speaking from decades of practical experience with students and athletes. He is very giving with his life’s experiences all, for the benefit of young people and fellow professionals alike.” read more

“I have had the honor of listening to Pat Sullivan talk and to travel with Pat and speak with him. The one thing that is certain every time he speaks is that I learn something about leadership, honor, and how to live life properly from him. He is a remarkable speaker and man.” read more

Joe GuraTeacher, Head Basketball Coach Joliet Catholic Academy

“Coach Pat Sullivan is one of the most dynamic speakers I have heard. Coach Sullivan’s talks are always very well organized and engaging. No matter how many times I have heard Coach Sullivan talk, I always leave having learned something new. Coach Sullivan’s explains leadership in a way that all can understand and practice in everyday life. I constantly find myself applying Coach Sullivan’s concepts in teaching, coaching, and all aspects of my life.” read more

Tim TrendelHead Basketball Coach Providence Catholic High School

“Pat Sullivan is clearly one of the most interesting and engaging speakers you will hear. Pat blends personal stories of people he has either researched or met to demonstrate concrete principles we can all use to enhance our capacity to lead. There are so few authentic, selfless leaders today. Pat Sullivan is one of those and his stories and living example will motivate you toward that end.” read more

Frank PalmasaniAuthor – College Counselor

“I have known Pat Sullivan for the past 48 years. He is without question one the finest public speakers I have encountered in my 37 years in education. He has spoken at our graduations, clinics, and athletic fund raisers. As one principal who attended our most recent event and heard Pat speak stated: “Every educator in the nation needs to listen to his message.” Pat spoke at our conference leadership seminar which had 16 schools and over 300 students attending. The students were enraptured by his talk on “Leadership.” Pat is truly a phenomenal speaker, leader, and mentor.” read more

Randy StelterDirector of Athletics
Wheeler High School
Valparaiso, IN

“Pat’s enthusiasm and spirited way of getting his message across bridges many demographic groups. The care he takes to understand his audience underscores his unique ability to reach the many who come to hear him speak.”

“It is clear that when you hear Pat speak his thoughts come from the heart….sincere and genuine …sharing his life leadership experiences so that others will grow and benefit from them”. read more

Dr. Frank WyrostekProfessor of Finance University of St. Francis

“I have had the opportunity to hear from many motivational speakers in my professional career. None have spoken with the conviction and passion of Pat Sullivan. This is because he is speaking from decades of practical experience with students and athletes. He is very giving with his life’s experiences all, for the benefit of young people and fellow professionals alike.” read more